If you have diabetes, you probably know the importance of regularly monitoring your blood glucose levels. Modern tools make it easy to do this as part of your everyday routine.
In addition to daily blood glucose monitoring, though, it’s also essential that your care team performs a variety of ongoing routine tests and exams to monitor your condition and help prevent serious complications caused by diabetes. Medical visits and lab tests are not high on anyone’s list of fun activities, but following your doctor’s orders now can help keep you out of the hospital later. When creating your own care management plan for your diabetes, be sure to include the following routine screenings:
■ A1C glucose test, three to four times a year
An A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells) saturated with sugar. An A1C is different than daily glucose checks. While a home meter measures blood sugar at a particular moment in time, the A1C test provides the average glucose level over the past few months. Even if you check your glucose level several times a day, it’s important to have an A1C test of your average blood sugar done by your physician. Most individuals with diabetes should aim for an A1C of 6.5 percent or lower.
■ Annual cholesterol exams
An annual lipoprotein profile alerts your physician of changes in your cholesterol levels. Because diabetes can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, it is important to have this exam annually, and manage to keep your cholesterol within a healthy range for you, with the help of your care provider.
■ Annual or semi-annual kidney tests
Kidneys remove waste and excess fluid from our blood. High blood sugar associated with diabetes can damage your kidneys. A small amount of protein in your urine is called microalbuminuria, while a larger, more dangerous amount is macroalbuminuria. Because kidney disease typically shows no symptoms until function is almost gone, regular tests for protein in your urine are essential for individuals with diabetes.
■ Annual eye exams
Diabetes causes certain tissues in your body to age at a faster rate than usual, including your eyes. Irreparable damage, unfortunately, can occur before you notice changes in your vision. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to have glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Although people with diabetes have a higher risk of blindness, having an annual eye exam can catch vision problems in their early stages, while they can be treated or controlled.
■ Annual foot exams
Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, lessening your ability to feel pain, heat or cold. It also impairs circulation in your feet, making it harder for your body to fight infection. As a result, you might not notice a simple blister or other foot injury until it becomes infected and causes serious damage that can require amputation. Diabetes also can hasten changes to your feet including calluses, ulcers and dry, peeling skin. The longer you’ve had diabetes, the more at-risk you are for foot problems. It is recommended that you have your physician check your feet at least once per year.
■ Blood pressure, at every office visit
Diseases that damage the heart and blood vessels are the leading cause of death for people with diabetes. Talk with your doctor about your target blood pressure. At times, providers recommend patients check their own blood pressure on a more frequent basis, either at home or at a local drug store. Everyone is different. Ask your provider how often your blood pressure should be checked.
YEAR-ROUND HEALTH
In between exams, take an active role in maintaining your health and preventing complications by making healthier choices: limit your caloric intake, reduce your red meat consumption, limit the amount of dairy products in your daily diet and cut-back on processed foods. Doctors often recommend the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and fish, as well as healthy fats, such as olive and canola oils.
If you have diabetes or diabetes runs in your family, talk with your doctor about your own health management and maintenance.
For more information, visit www.diabetes.org.
Dr. Jeffrey Baker is board certified in family medicine, integrative holistic medicine and acupuncture. He practices at Penn State Medical Group in State College.
Submitted photo
Dr. Jeffrey Baker
